Cockyaleg

The scenario happens on a regular basis. Stood down, re-vetted the very next day. Stipe has to be present. So the stipe is at the beck and call of the kennel, any day of the week including weekends. Who pays for that additional service? Do we just ad it to miscellaneous expenses? And is this service extended to all trainers? Like bloody hell it is!

Well said. Most of us want to be self-sustainable. We take on what can be comfortably managed by one, two, or three people. We want the best quality of life for our dogs during racing and strive to rehome every dog at retirement. We persevere with dogs that may never achieve open class. We work within the rules. We don't make the headlines for the wrong reasons, and we aren't motivated by ego and awards. We are the backbone of the sport, and we stand up with pride.

Why is a genuine concern for the future of the sport referred to as jealousy by those who support monopoly behaviour? I have never understood that reasoning. 1. To continue, the sport needs to at least retain its present participant numbers. To grow, the sport needs to attract higher numbers of new participants. In the current climate, the sport is not an attractive option. Dwindling numbers makes it far easier to shut down. 2. Monopolies are frowned upon in the real world business environment for good reason. The Commerce Commission was set up to ensure market health/integrity and to police business behaviour. Without controls, most of us could simply not afford to live. Petrol companies are a prime example of dishonest monopoly business behaviour. 3. Bottom line and how that is achieved has been the motivation of all industry bad behaviour. The larger the outfit, the more risks taken. Those risks often fall outside the rules. Prime current example, Darren Weir. Why should any of us support those who bring negative publicity upon our sport? Why? 4. Jealousy dictionary definition: Jealousy is the feeling of anger or bitterness which someone has when they wish that they could have the qualities or possessions that another person has. You would have to be insane to believe anyone wants to emulate that which Milo defends. That is simply unsustainable and unhealthy. 5. Public perception and license. Yes, changes have been made but unless the major bone of contention is addressed, public license will herald our demise. 6. To believe that opposition is jealous and evil is not the view of one sound of mind. It is the behaviour of someone who personally benefits from a symbiotic relationship with that monopoly.

The man who made it all possible. Now dubbed the "invisible man".

I have often wondered about the motivation of the "jump to it" brigade. Having listened to the "pseudo christ" berate and denigrate his fellow competitors all too frequently, I find it hard to believe these people somehow believe they are exempt from his contempt? Yet, he says jump, and boy they jump. Surely they can't be that naive? Cross once told me to get a real job cos' he was going to shut the industry down, little did he realise at the time, that closure would never come via his hands, but via our own. The purpose of the almighty's breeding program was to saturate the fields, to limit the opportunity for his peers. You get awards for this. With the latest influx of pups, he will achieve his goal by the end of the year. And still, the jumpers rally to his aid. Suicidal lemmings.